George Rogers poses with
Cable-12's Steve Oakes.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gary Holden, Sports Information Director
(540) 365-4306

February 7, 2005


Heisman Trophy Winner George Rogers Visits Ferrum
 1980 Heisman Winner Speaks at Ferrum Football Banquet

Ferrum, Va.  – Ferrum College held its annual football post-season awards banquet on Friday, February 4th, and former Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers was on hand.

Rogers' connection with the Panther football program is through Ferrum Assistant Coach Bob Brown, who was backfield coach for the University of South Carolina when Rogers won the Heisman Trophy.

               Ferrum Football Banquet Pictures

Rogers spoke to Ferrum's football players, friends and family members.  After the dinner and awards ceremony, guests were able to meet George and have their photo taken with his Heisman Trophy.  Also on hand were members of the local media, including Steve Oakes of Cable-12, Steven Marsh of the Franklin News-Post, and a camera crew with Roanoke's WDBJ Channel 7.  After Rogers addressed the group, individual awards for each player that lettered this season were awarded.  Offensive, defensive, and special teams awards were given out as well.

Rogers won the 1980 Heisman Trophy after rushing for 1,781 yards and 14 touchdowns at South Carolina.  The New Orleans Saints made Rogers the NFL's #1 draft choice in 1981.  He played four years with the Saints, then three with the Washington Redskins and was a member of the Redskins 1988 Super Bowl Championship team. 

In January of 2005, Rogers was named the recipient of the Walter Camp Football Foundation's "Alumnus of the Year" award.  The honor is bestowed on a worthy individual who has distinguished himself in the pursuit of excellence as an athlete, in his personal career and in doing good works for others.  The individual must have exhibited dedication and good moral conduct in achieving success, have been a compassionate and unselfish person who contributes his time and assistance in helping to encourage and comfort fellow human beings less talented and less fortunate than himself.  The individual must also be an person who takes pride in having been a Walter Camp All-American.

In 1997, Rogers was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Extremely active in the community, Rogers established the George Rogers Foundation, which provides scholarships for students in need of financial assistance who are attending the University of South Carolina. The Foundation also provides resources with the community to assist in the development and advancement of youths.

Rogers currently resides in South Carolina with his wife Lynn. They have three children, sons Brandon (23) and Tray (20), and daughter Lashaon (22).
 



A crowd of nearly 150 folks were on hand to hear 1980 Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers.  Afterward, guests were able to meet George and have their picture taken with his Heisman Trophy.